Cricket

The uncertainty surrounding Team India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year continues to linger. Reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament.BCCI has reportedly expressed its preference for playing its matches in Dubai, a more neutral venue. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from BCCI regarding this matter.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not set a deadline for declaring the tournament fixtures, but typically announces these details at least three months in advance. BCCI had previously delayed announcing the ODI World Cup fixtures last year due to PCB's objection to playing in Ahmedabad.As per standard practice, BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team's travel to Pakistan. A BCCI source confirmed that the board's stance remains unchanged and that it will not make any decision without government approval.The recent visit of India's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, to Pakistan had raised hopes that India might agree to play in Pakistan. However, it is understood that BCCI has consulted with the Indian team management and decided on Dubai as the preferred venue.PCB had previously agreed to a hybrid model for the Asia Cup in 2023, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup.If BCCI's stance remains unchanged, PCB may have to escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.Sources indicate that BCCI wants a decision on this issue before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it will be interesting to see which venue the ICC suggests for the final.PCB had reportedly proposed the idea of the Indian team setting up a base in Chandigarh and traveling to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea is considered logistically challenging.

PCB Assures Swift Visa Issuance for Indian Fans for ICC Champions TrophyLAHORE, Pakistan - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, has pledged a streamlined visa issuance process for Indian fans eager to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.During a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States, Naqvi expressed optimism about a positive response from Indian fans. "We will reserve a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and endeavor to expedite the visa issuance process," he stated.Naqvi emphasized the PCB's desire to welcome Indian fans and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore. Pakistan is set to host the ICC mega event from February to March 2025, but the tournament schedule remains pending until the ICC receives confirmation from the Indian government regarding its team's participation.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its adherence to government policy when it comes to visiting Pakistan. No Indian team has toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and there has been no Test series between the two nations since 2007.Despite these challenges, Naqvi remains hopeful that Indian fans will be able to experience the thrill of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. "We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all spectators," he said.The PCB's efforts to facilitate Indian fan attendance are a testament to the importance of cricket as a bridge between the two countries. The sport has the power to unite people and foster goodwill, and the Champions Trophy provides an opportunity to showcase the passion and camaraderie that exists between cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 mega auction, and all eyes are on Mumbai Indians (MI) as they finalize their retentions. Former MI captain Rohit Sharma's future with the franchise is uncertain, and his potential availability in the auction pool has sparked speculation.Harbhajan Singh, Rohit's former India and MI teammate, believes that the veteran opener would command a hefty price if he enters the auction. "Rohit Sharma is a top-quality player and leader. He's a proven match-winner, and even at 37, he still has a lot of cricket left in him," said Harbhajan. "If he goes into the auction, he will fetch big bucks."Harbhajan also praised Rohit's off-field qualities, describing him as a "yaaro ka yaar" (friend of friends). "Rohit respects his elders, and that's one of his best qualities," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, with all teams, including India, participating. However, Harbhajan has raised safety concerns, stating that Indian players should not travel to Pakistan."There are significant safety concerns in Pakistan," said Harbhajan. "I've always said, and I still believe, that if there's no guarantee of safety, our players shouldn't travel to Pakistan."Harbhajan also commended Jay Shah for his contributions to Indian cricket. "Having an Indian representative at the ICC level, especially as the chairman, is a huge achievement," he said. "Under Jay Shah's leadership, there have been many changes in Team India. Women's cricket, in particular, has received a financial boost thanks to his efforts."

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Final could potentially be relocated from Lahore to Dubai if India qualifies for the championship match. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with matches spread across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.However, due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, there is uncertainty regarding India's participation in the event. The Telegraph reports that alternative venues for India's matches are being considered, with Dubai emerging as a potential host for the final if India qualifies.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the tournament will be held in Pakistan as planned, including India's matches. However, the BCCI has previously cited government restrictions as the reason for not touring Pakistan.India last played a bilateral series with Pakistan in 2012-13, and the two teams have only met at global events since then. The last time India toured Pakistan was in July 2008.The decision on whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain. If India does not travel to Pakistan, the tournament could face significant logistical challenges, as alternative venues would need to be secured for India's matches.The ICC has not yet made any official announcement regarding the potential relocation of the final. However, the situation is being closely monitored, and a decision is expected in the coming months.

Afghanistan and Bangladesh are set to clash in a three-match ODI series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in November. The series will serve as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the series, which will take place on November 6, 9, and 11. The exact venues for the matches are yet to be announced.The series was originally scheduled as part of a full tour that included Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) declined to tour the UAE or India in June due to extreme summer temperatures.After extensive discussions, the two boards agreed to proceed with only the ODI leg of the tour. The BCB was keen on playing the ODIs as Bangladesh has only played three ODIs so far in 2024.BCB president Faruque Ahmed met with ACB officials on the sidelines of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Malaysia. Ahmed expressed the BCB's desire to play three ODIs against Afghanistan before their tour of the West Indies.After the Afghanistan series, Bangladesh will travel to the Caribbean for a two-Test, three-ODI, and three-T20I series against the West Indies.Afghanistan, on the other hand, has played eight ODIs this year, including a historic 2-1 series win against South Africa. After the Bangladesh series, Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe for a full series across all three formats.The Afghanistan-Bangladesh ODI series will provide both teams with valuable match practice ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan will be looking to build on their recent success against South Africa, while Bangladesh will be aiming to improve their ODI record in 2024.

Pakistan's cricket team is gearing up for a crucial Test series against England, but behind the scenes, there are allegations of political maneuvering within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Former batsman Basit Ali has claimed that white-ball coach Gary Kirsten is now involved in the politics of Pakistani cricket.According to Ali, Kirsten has taken over the leadership of a "friendship group" within the team, which was previously headed by captain Babar Azam. Ali alleges that Kirsten has been pushing for certain players to be given extended runs, including all-rounder Shadab Khan.Ali also criticized the team's recent Test series whitewash at home to Bangladesh, calling it an "embarrassing" defeat. He questioned the team's consistency and performance, suggesting that favoritism and politics were undermining the team's success.Ali's claims have been met with mixed reactions. Some have dismissed them as unfounded speculation, while others have expressed concern about the alleged political interference in the team.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not publicly commented on Ali's allegations. However, he has previously stated that the board is committed to improving the team's performance and ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.Despite Ali's claims that fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi would not be included in the squad for the England Tests, Afridi was named in the 15-member squad for the first Test.Ali also predicted that Kirsten would be sacked after the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host in February-March next year. He claimed that Kirsten had become part of the political landscape of Pakistani cricket and would not be successful in the long run.The PCB has not commented on Ali's prediction regarding Kirsten's future. However, the board has stated that it is focused on preparing the team for the upcoming Champions Trophy and ensuring a successful tournament on home soil.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a massive renovation project for three major stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next year. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the allocation of a substantial budget of 12.8 billion PKR for these upgrades.Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will receive the lion's share of the funding, with 7.7 billion PKR allocated for its renovation. The project includes the construction of a new steel-structured pavilion (1,100 million PKR), a concrete office building (3,471 million PKR), and a steel structure for the enclosure (1,250 million PKR). Additionally, a moat will be built (189 million PKR), and two LED digital screens will be replaced (330 million PKR).The stadium's floodlights will be upgraded with 480 LED lights (523 million PKR), while new seats will be installed (375 million PKR). External development works will also be carried out (93 million PKR).National Stadium, Karachi:The National Stadium in Karachi will receive 3.5 billion PKR for its renovation, including new construction. The project involves the construction of a new steel structure for the pavilion building (1,500 million PKR), renovation of the main building and hospitality boxes (580 million PKR), and installation of two new LED digital screens (330 million PKR).The stadium's floodlights will be replaced with 450 LED lights (490 million PKR), and new seats will be installed (340 million PKR).Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi:The Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi will undergo renovations costing an estimated 1.5 billion PKR. The project includes the replacement of floodlights with 350 LED lights (393 million PKR) and the renovation of the main building, hospitality boxes, and restrooms (400 million PKR).Additionally, two LED digital screens will be replaced (330 million PKR), and new seats will be installed (272 million PKR).PCB Chairman Naqvi assured that all three venues will be ready in time to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The renovations are expected to significantly enhance the facilities and infrastructure of these stadiums, providing a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.

Pakistan is set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking the return of an ICC event to the country after nearly three decades. However, speculation has been rife regarding India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.Despite the election of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah as the new ICC Chairman, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes India's participation in Pakistan is still possible. Latif suggests that Shah's unopposed election indicates support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and that he is unlikely to approve a decision for India to play at a neutral venue."I think we have received 50% confirmation that India is coming to Pakistan," Latif stated.Latif also praised Shah's contributions to cricket, both at the BCCI and ICC levels.Pakistan has not hosted a major ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 Cricket World Cup. While they hosted the 2023 Asia Cup, India opted to play their matches in Sri Lanka. India's last visit to Pakistan for a cricket match was in 2008 for the Asia Cup.India-Pakistan matches are highly anticipated in ICC tournaments, often drawing massive viewership. After Pakistan's visit to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, India's potential return to Pakistan in 2025 would be a significant development.Interestingly, Pakistan and India are the two most recent winners of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan defeated India in the final of the 2017 edition, while India won the title in 2013 under MS Dhoni's leadership.

Shikhar Dhawan, India's prolific opening batsman, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. In a heartfelt video message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the unwavering support he received throughout his journey.Dhawan's international debut came in 2010 against Australia in Visakhapatnam, and he quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Over the course of his career, he amassed an impressive 10,000 runs across all formats, including 24 centuries—17 in ODIs and 7 in Tests.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer. His exceptional batting, which included two centuries and one fifty, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He was a key member of the team that won the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a fan favorite.In his retirement message, Dhawan expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the sacrifices he had made along the way but emphasized that he was at peace with his decision.Dhawan's retirement leaves a void in the Indian cricket team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm have made him one of the most beloved cricketers in India.